Some days I feel like my body is a toddler throwing a tantrum—flailing, unpredictable, and way too loud. This week had one of those days. But as always, I’m still here, figuring it out, one shaky step (or nap) at a time.
When My Legs Clocked Out
It started with a simple walk to the kitchen. Or rather, the attempt at a walk. My legs, bless their rebellious little hearts, just gave up halfway. It wasn’t a dramatic collapse—thankfully, I had my rollator in front of me. It was more like a controlled kneel to the floor, like I was melting.
I sat there, half-laughing, half-gritting my teeth, wondering how in the world I was going to stand back up. I considered just making my way back to the couch on my knees. But, by some miracle, I did manage to stand back up, turn myself around, and slowly make it back to the couch. Graceful? No. Determined? Absolutely.
What Helped: The “5-Minute Rule”
When I get overwhelmed (or immobilized), I’ve started using something I call the “5-Minute Rule.” I give myself five minutes to feel whatever I’m feeling—frustration, grief, rage that my legs are acting like divas. After that, I shift focus. Sometimes I breathe. Sometimes I stare at the cats until they judge me back to reality.
It doesn’t fix everything, but it keeps the spiral from pulling me under.
Comic Relief, Courtesy of the Cat
Speaking of the cats, Minnie saw me on the floor and clearly assumed I had finally accepted her superiority. She jumped up onto the seat of my rollator, which she had never done before, sat down, and looked at me. Not helpful, but oddly comforting.
Honestly, if she had opposable thumbs, I’m convinced she’d be running this household—and possibly this blog.
How about you?
Have you had a “melting moment” lately? If you’re in the thick of it, know this: you’re not broken—you’re adapting. And even on the floor, you’re still standing in your own kind of strength.